Available settings

Help protect PCs from viruses and other threats using Windows Defender Antivirus

Requires that Windows Defender Antivirus is turned on to protect PCs from the dangers of being connected to the internet.

Help protect PCs from web-based threats in Microsoft Edge

Turns on settings in Edge that help protect users from malicious sites and downloads.

Use rules that reduce the attack surface of devices

When turned On, attack surface reduction helps block actions and apps typically used by malware to infect devices. This setting is only available if Windows Defender Antivirus is set to On. See Reduce attack surfaces to learn more.

Protect folders from threats such as ransomware

This setting uses controlled folder access to protect company data from modification by suspicious or malicious apps, such as ransomware. These types of apps are blocked from making changes in protected folders. This setting is only available if Windows Defender Antivirus is set to On. See Protect folders with COntrolled folder access to learn more.

Prevent network access to potentially malicious content on the Internet

Use this setting to block outbound user connections to low-reputation Internet locations that may host phishing scams, exploits or other malicious content. This setting is only available if Windows Defender Antivirus is set to On. See Protect your network for more information.

Help protect files and folders on PCs from unauthorized access with BitLocker

Bitlocker protects data by encrypting the computer hard drives and protect against data exposure if a computer is lost or stolen. See Bitlocker FAQ for more information.

Allow users to download apps from Microsoft Store

Lets users download and install apps from the Microsoft Store. Apps include everything from games to productivity tools, so we leave this setting On, but you can turn it off for extra security.

Allow users to access Cortana

Cortana can be very helpful! She can turn settings on or off for you, give directions, and make sure you're on time for appointments, so we keep this On by default.

Allow users to receive Windows tips and advertisements from Microsoft

Windows tips can be handy and help orient users when new features are released.

Makes sure that company data is protected if a user is idle. A user may be working in a public location, like a coffee shop, and step away or be distracted for just a moment, leaving their device vulnerable to random glances. This setting lets you control how long the user can be idle before the screen shuts off.

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